2008 Lexus Sc430 problems
The Lexus SC (Japanese: レクサス・SC, Rekusasu SC) is a grand tourer that was retailed by Lexus (a luxury vehicle division of Toyota), and built from 1991 until 2010. It features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The first-generation SC debuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in 1992. Both first-generation models were produced until 2000. The second-generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001. The SC 430 features a hardtop convertible design and a V8 engine. The first-generation SC was largely styled in California at Calty, and the second-generation SC was mainly conceived at design studios in Europe.
In Japan, the related third-generation Toyota Soarer, with which the first-generation SC originally shared body design and multiple components, featured a separate line-up of vehicle configurations and different powertrains. The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005. The SC was the sole coupé in the Lexus lineup until the arrival of the IS C. According to Lexus, the SC designation stands for Sport Coupe. The LC replaced the SC lineup in 2017.
First generation (Z30; 1991)
1991–2000
In the early 1990s, following the début of Lexus, automotive press reports indicated a forthcoming Full-size Lexus coupé to compete with other luxury GT coupés of other marques like the Mercedes-Benz CL, Acura Legend coupe and later the Acura CL, Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Mark VIII, Jaguar XJS, Bentley Continental, Maserati Shamal/Ghibli, Ferrari 456 and BMW 8 Series coupe. At that point, Toyota had no genuine luxury coupés in its model range. A coupe would complement the successful Lexus flagship model, the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive LS 400 sedan. The coupé was going to be targeted towards the American market, and the development effort for its exterior design was handed over to the Calty Design Research center in California in 1987.
The American Calty design team took a different approach to designing the car, using plaster molding shapes to design the body, and working three-dimensionally instead of the traditional 2-D sketch approach. As described by design chiefs Denis Campbell and Erwin Lui, the result was a car that was based on "emotion and feeling" rather than linear aesthetics. The resulting design possessed almost no straight edges, and produced a drag coefficient of Cd=0.31. The production design concept by Lui was approved at the beginning of 1989, resulting in Lui being sent back to Japan for 4 months to assist in completion of the production design. According to automotive journalist Bill Russ, the SC design was considered influential among automotive designs of the time.
Production of the Soarer started in April 1991 at the Motomachi plant in Toyota, Aichi, with the Lexus SC produced alongside the Soarer at a second Higashi Fuji plant at Susono, Shizuoka. Motomachi-sourced cars lasted until April 1997. The Lexus SC platform was used to develop Toyota's next generation Supra, both vehicles were manufactured in the same plant.
The SC 400 débuted on 1 June 1991 in the United States as a 1992 model. The SC 400's 4.0 L V8 1UZ-FE, the same engine as used in the LS 400, was reported to have cost over US$400,000,000 in research and development. The engine sits behind the front axles, which makes it a front mid engine rear wheel drive vehicle. The SC 400 was honored as the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list from 1992 through 1996.
In July 1992, the SC 300, a smaller-engined version of the SC 400, premiered in the United States. The SC 300 was equipped with a 3.0 L inline 6 2JZ-GE. Lexus' traction control system, TRAC, was offered as an option.
The first-generation SC lasted in production until 7 July 2000, over nine years, quite long compared to the other cars of the 1990s. Even with the SC's long production cycle, only minor exterior changes were made. New tail lighting and a modified spoiler design was part of the mid-cycle vehicle refresh. A front grille was added in 1996, along with a redesigned front bumper, side skirts and rocker panels. The SC 400 produced 250 hp (186 kW)/260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) from 1991 to 1995. The original 1991–1997 engines for the 2JZ-GE-powered SC 300 were rated at 225 hp (168 kW)/210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m). The output of the SC 300 was 5 horsepower more than the equivalent engine used in the Toyota Supra.
In 1996, the SC 400's 1UZ-FE engine design was upgraded to 260 hp (194 kW) from 250 hp (186 kW). These engines were coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission on both the SC 300 and SC 400 models. A 5-speed manual transmission was only offered on the SC 300 from its debut until 1997.
By the end of the decade, North American SC sales began dwindling due to the lack of significant design updates since the car's introduction and marketplace changes that led to loss of interest in coupes.
In 1997 (1998 model year), both the SC 300 and 400 were upgraded with VVT-i and thus the ratings were raised to 290 hp (216 kW)/300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) of torque for the SC 400 and 225 hp (168 kW)/220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) of torque for the SC 300. Tests conducted on the new engines showed an acceleration for the SC 400 for years 1992–1995 of 0–60 mph in 6.9 seconds, years 1996–1997 in 6.7 seconds, and years 1998–2000 in 6.1 seconds. For the SC 300 an acceleration 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds with the 5-speed manual and 7.2 seconds with the 4-speed automatic for all years. This 1997 upgrade included the replacement of the four-speed automatic on the SC 400 to a five-speed unit. With the replacement of the five-speed unit those models also got a new differential with a final drive of 3.27 improving both fuel economy and top speed.
Sales of the automatic transmission SC 300 and SC 400 models formed the vast majority of models purchased. The Lexus SC 400 was never officially sold in the British Isles, but many examples found their way across the Atlantic as personal imports.
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Common 2008 Lexus Sc430 problems
The Lexus SC430 2008 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is the failure of the CD changer, which is a common problem across various Lexus models of this era. This issue can be inconvenient for those who rely on CDs for their music, so it's recommended to check the CD changer's functionality before purchasing the car.
Another common problem is related to the engine management light, which is often due to a failed O2 sensor, specifically the po125 cold sensor. This issue can cause the engine management light to come on, and it may require replacing the sensor to resolve the problem
The SC430's soft suspension is another area of concern for some owners. While it provides a comfortable ride, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a sportier feel. Some owners have opted to stiffen up the suspension to better suit their preferences.
The brakes are also known to be exceptionally weak in the SC430, and some owners have recommended upgrading them for better performance.
Water leaks in the boot are another issue that some owners have reported. This problem can be caused by seals in the car being bad, leading to water accumulation in the boot. It's essential to check the boot for any signs of water leaks and ensure that the seals are in good condition before purchasing the car
The CD player is another area where some owners have reported issues. The six-disc changer has been known to fail, which can be inconvenient for those who rely on CDs for their music
The original SC430 models came with one flat tire, which some owners have criticized for providing a harsh ride. However, this is more of a preference issue rather than a common fault
Lastly, the car's run-flat tires have been criticized for providing a harsh ride. Some owners have recommended ditching the flatruns and getting Lexus pre-owned certified with a new warranty, which includes roadside assistance.
In summary, the Lexus SC430 2008 is known for several common problems, including CD changer failure, engine management light issues, weak brakes, water leaks in the boot, CD player failure, and harsh rides due to flat tires. It's essential to check these areas before purchasing the car to ensure that it's in good condition and meets your preferences.
Are Lexus SC430 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus SC430 is $462.
Does Lexus SC430 have timing belt?
I'm told by forum members that you must replace the Timing Belt when your SC430 has reached 100k miles.
What is a Lexus SC430 worth?
Prices for a used Lexus SC 430 currently range from $6,999 to $43,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 10,221 to 217,108.
What was the last year of the Lexus SC430?
2010
Technical specifications
| Drivetrain specifications by generation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model year(s) | Model no. | Engine type |
| 1998–2001 | SC 300 | 3.0 L I6 |
| 2002–2005 | SC 430 | 4.3 L V8 |
| 2006–2010 | SC 430 | 4.3 L V8 |
2008 Lexus Sc430 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Sc430 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Lexus Sc430 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Lexus Sc430 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Lexus Sc430.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-14
- VIN: JTHFN45Y389
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V128000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-02
- VIN: JTHFN45Y289
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V128000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-21
- VIN: JTHFN45YX89
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V128000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 07/13/16*LJ UPDATED 07/13/16.*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-18
- VIN: JTHFN45YX89
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL.THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V127000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-22
- VIN: JTHFN45Y489
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LEXUS SC430. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE BUMPER, THE GRILL AND THE FOG LIGHTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE TECHNICIANS DID NOT INFORM THE CONTACT WHAT CAUSED THE FRONT END TO DETACH. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
2008 Lexus Sc430 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2008 Lexus Sc430.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Negative 2008 Lexus Sc430 car reviews
Positive 2008 Lexus Sc430 car reviews
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From the moment I took the keys, my life changed. This car looks sexy and handles far better than I expected.
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In the summer of 2020, I was lucky enough to purchase a 2006 SC 430 with only 27,750 miles on the clock. It's a stunning car - a true luxury grand tourer. As I inspected both the interior and exterior, it became clear that this car is a masterpiece of engineering, with exceptional attention to detail. Despite weighing almost two tons, it's incredibly quiet and has plenty of power. The air conditioning is perfect for hot summer days, and driving with the top down is an absolute joy. The burled walnut trim in the cabin is still as beautiful as ever, and the 'Coach' leather seats look brand new, thanks to the previous owner's meticulous care. The SC 430 is renowned for its reliability, having won multiple awards from J.D. Powers over the years. If you're in the market for a low-mileage 2002-2010 SC 430, and you take good care of it, you'll enjoy years of luxurious driving pleasure! 😁
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I recently had a frustrating experience with an X5 and a 745, which led me to explore Lexus. I have had great experiences with 5 other Lexus cars, so I decided to look for an SUV and an LS 430. When I saw this beautiful matador red, chrome-wheeled beauty, I was immediately smitten. This car is truly amazing, with its beautiful styling, great comfort, world-class fit and finish, quiet ride (top up and top down), and Lexus reliability, making it a bulletproof car. Although the seat belt access is a minor flaw, it's not worth quibbling over. This car has everything and is a great value in the market. I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one. It's one sweet ride!
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It's great to hear that you've chosen a car from one of the most reputable and reliable car makers in the world! While it may not have bucket seats, it's perfect for two people and that's all that matters. The reliability and quality of the car are what really matter, and it sounds like you made a great choice!
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Awesome drive! Comfort and luxury in a sports car! This vehicle is not commonly seen and turns heads. It also has good gas mileage for its type. The attention to detail is spectacular, and the hard-top convertible is unique and works flawlessly.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Lexus Sc430 problems:
SC430 Common Problems, if any?!? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
May 26, 2008 ... The CD changer is the most failed item on the car. A few other notes: The brakes are also exceptionally weak. Consider upgrading them. The ...
Thinking about buying an SC430 - any tips - Lexus SC430 Club ...
Oct 6, 2020 ... You might find one that has improved suspension and a cat back exhaust as these are common mods as are staggered fitment alloys. Apart from that ...
Lexus SC 430 Reliability - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
May 6, 2018 ... I agree and I must say, compared to my 2008 Honda Accord, the SC430 has a much better design, quality f parts and ease of maintenance. Whenever ...
Lexus SC430 Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top Lexus SC430 Problems · Volume Control Problems With Premiun Stereo System · Creaking Type Noise From Front Suspension · Electric Trunk Release May not Function ...
SC has any problems on convertible top? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...
Mar 28, 2011 ... SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010) - SC has any problems ... Knowing then, what I know now about the reliability of the Lexus SC430 ... Jun 2008. Location.
Other years of Lexus Sc430
Are you having problems with your 2008 Lexus Sc430?
Fern Ledner 2024-09-05
I do not recommend this model due to its rough ride and difficulty getting in and out. Based on my experience, I have decided not to consider this model any further.
Tevin Terry 2024-04-25
We chose this car mainly because of the hardtop convertible feature. Although the performance and drive are not very impressive, the design and comfort are very nice. The car seems to have been designed for an older driving population who want the look of a convertible in a Lincoln Town Car frame. The technology and nav system can be a bit counterintuitive, as the entire system is disabled while driving, so you'll need to park the car before using your nav system or Bluetooth phone. It's important to be aware of Lexus dealers who may not be truthful about this feature. Overall, this car may be somewhat disappointing, but if you're looking for a convertible look that drives like a sedan, then it's the right car for you.
Salvatore Wiza 2024-02-01
I recently purchased the Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach edition, but unfortunately, I have had a number of issues with the car. Firstly, my left headlamp fell off while driving on the highway, which Lexus attributed to driver negligence. Additionally, my power top got stuck halfway closed, but Lexus did replace it. I have also had to replace the alternator six times due to it going bad, and just three days ago, my brakes let go while coming up my driveway. Although the car looks nice, it has proven to be very unreliable. On top of that, the instrument panel stopped working, which cost me $1,100 to fix as it wasn't covered. In comparison, my Cadillac STS-V gets better mpg than the Lexus, so I will most likely be trading it in for another Cadillac.